Energy flexibility in the UK: GridFlex report for Clean Power 2030

The UK’s transition to a fully decarbonised electricity system depends on one critical capability: energy flexibility.

As millions of distributed energy assets, from electric vehicles to heat pumps and batteries, connect to the grid, the energy system must evolve to coordinate them in real time. This is essential to delivering the government’s Clean Power 2030 mission, but current market structures, policy frameworks and innovation pathways are not yet keeping pace.

The GridFlex programme report sets out how the UK can unlock the innovation needed to meet this challenge across the energy landscape.

What’s inside the report?

The report provides a comprehensive overview of the opportunities, challenges and solutions for scaling energy flexibility in the UK. You’ll discover:

• Why energy flexibility is critical to a reliable, low-cost, Net Zero electricity system.
• How technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the internet of things (IoT) and advanced optimisation can accelerate deployment.
• The systemic barriers preventing solutions from scaling and how to overcome them.
• A systems-based approach to aligning innovation, policy, electricity markets and investment.
• How the GridFlex programme will support innovators from concept to real-world deployment.

Why energy flexibility matters

Clean Power 2030 requires a step change in how the energy system operates. Without new approaches to flexibility, the UK risks:

• Higher system costs;
• Reduced reliability;
• Slower progress towards Net Zero despite an increase in renewable generation.

Independent analysis shows that GridFlex can deliver significant value, including:

• £5.80 in benefits for every £1 invested;
• 1,500 MW of additional system flexibility capacity;
• 11,720 high-value job-years supported.

Download the report below to discover how this value can be realised.

About GridFlex

GridFlex is an innovation programme led by Energy Systems Catapult and Digital Catapult, funded by Innovate UK.

The programme is designed to:

• Unlock deep tech innovation for energy flexibility;
• Support innovators in scaling solutions;
• Bridge the gap between technology, industry and policy;
• Enable real-world deployment of flexible energy solutions.

Through lighthouse pilots, collaborative development and ecosystem engagement, GridFlex is building the foundations for a smarter, more responsive energy system.

Get involved: help decarbonise our energy grid

GridFlex is building a community of innovators, partners and stakeholders working together to accelerate energy flexibility.

If you’re an innovator with a technology that could help bring flexibility to the energy grid, sign up to be part of the GridFlex programme here.